Leonard Floyd Poised to Break Out as Pass Rusher for Georgia Bulldogs in 2014

By Tyler Brett

The Georgia Bulldogs will be breaking in a new defensive coordinator in 2014 as they try and break through to an SECChampionship this fall. As Jeremy Pruitt takes over the Dawgs’ defense, he’ll have some excellent pieces to work with as he retools the group into his vision. One of the best pieces that Pruitt will get to work with this season could end up being linebacker Leonard Floyd who is poised to break out as a premier pass rusher this fall.

As a true freshman last fall, Floyd showed what he could do as he broke into the starting lineup. In eight starts, Floyd posted an excellent stat line, recording 55 tackles, including 9.5 tackles for loss, 6.5 sacks, and two forced fumbles as he earned SEC All-Freshman honors. He will provide a dynamic pairing with Georgia’s other outside linebacker, Jordan Jenkins, to wreak havoc off the edge in Pruitt’s 3-4 defensive scheme.

That pass rush could be more important than ever in 2014 as Georgia works on piecing together their secondary. Having a swarming pass rush will help to cover up some of the early growing pains on the back end and help the Bulldogs’ defense rise up against their difficult SEC schedule. Getting Floyd unleashed will be a major key to just how far Georgia goes in their hunt for the SEC title.

There’s no doubt that Floyd has the talent to be a special player for Georgia. If he can unlock that potential and emerge as a star in the Dawgs’ new defense this season, UGA will be a serious contender in 2014.